Waukesha 'Rainbowland' controversy; teacher could be fired, she says

The Waukesha elementary school teacher at the center of the "Rainbowland" song controversy told FOX6 News she could soon be fired.

WAUKESHA, Wis. - The Waukesha elementary school teacher at the center of the "Rainbowland" song controversy told FOX6 News Thursday, May 18 she could soon be fired.

Melissa Tempel, who teaches at Heyer Elementary, wanted to have her students sing the Miley Cyrus-Dolly Parton duet at a school concert. School district administrators said the song was "controversial" and put Tempel on administrative leave.

Now, Tempel told FOX6 News she received a letter from the superintendent – recommending the school board fire her for violating district policies.

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In March, Waukesha Superintendent Jim Sebert said the song "could be perceived as controversial" per school district policy. Tempel believes the school district found the song controversial because of perceived LGBTQ associations.

In April, State Superintendent Jill Underly took issue with how the policy was enforced. She has no control over the policy.